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Editors' Review · September 8, 2025

A Fast and Simple VPN

Hotspot Shield is a VPN service designed for users who prioritize speed and simplicity. Developed with its proprietary Hydra protocol, the Windows app delivers strong encryption and stable performance, making it a practical option for browsing, streaming, and torrenting. It’s available as both a free version with limitations and a Premium plan that unlocks more servers and advanced support.

The interface is straightforward and beginner-friendly. With a single click, users can connect securely, while settings like auto-start and split-tunneling add flexibility. For those who want a VPN that works out of the box without complex configuration, Hotspot Shield offers a smooth entry point.

The app emphasizes fast connectivity and streaming support. Using Hydra protocol, it optimizes connections to minimize slowdowns, making it capable of handling video playback, large downloads, and even gaming with reduced latency. Many popular streaming services can be accessed, and torrenting is supported, though reliability can vary depending on the server and location chosen.

How does Hotspot Shield for Windows perform?

Security features are in line with industry expectations. Hotspot Shield encrypts traffic to prevent snooping, and the built-in kill switch protects against accidental leaks if the connection drops. Premium users can connect multiple devices at once and access a wide selection of servers across numerous countries. The free version, on the other hand, restricts users to fewer servers and may display ads, so its scope is best for casual browsing rather than heavy use.

While the app succeeds in speed and ease of use, it has some trade-offs. Advanced VPN tools found in other services—such as Double VPN, RAM-only servers, or dedicated IPs—are missing here. Hotspot Shield also operates under U.S. jurisdiction, which raises concerns for privacy-conscious users, and while it maintains a no-logs policy, independent audits are less frequent compared to some competitors. For basic security and streaming needs, however, these limitations may not matter to casual users.

Final verdict

Hotspot Shield for Windows delivers a fast, reliable VPN experience with a clean interface and useful features like a kill switch and split-tunneling. It’s best suited for users who value simplicity and speed over advanced customization. The free version is limited, but the Premium plan expands access and makes it a competitive option for everyday browsing and entertainment.

Enlarged image for Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield 0/5

Technical

Title
Hotspot Shield 12.9.7 for Windows
Requirements
  • Windows 8
  • Windows 7
  • Windows 10
  • Windows 8.1
Language
English
Available languages
  • Arabic
  • Chinese
  • German
  • English
  • Spanish
  • French
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Portuguese
  • Turkish
License
Free
Latest update
Author
AnchorFree Inc.
SHA-1
1483f957e6f618835dbb4946e59d8362a6fd5830
Filename
Hotspot_Shield_VPN_V12.9.7.exe

Program available in other languages



Changelog

We don’t have any change log information yet for version 12.9.7 of Hotspot Shield. Sometimes publishers take a little while to make this information available, so please check back in a few days to see if it has been updated.

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